Same-sex couples await financial benefits of possible DOMA reversal

U.S. Supreme Court hears case; Many in Md. wait to see its effects on them

As the U.S. Supreme Court hears a challenge to the controversial Defense of Marriage Act, many same-sex couples in Maryland are learning what a possible strike-down of the law could mean for their lives and their finances.

Alaska's Sen. Lisa Murkowski has announced her support for same-sex marriage, becoming the third sitting GOP senator to back the right for gay and lesbian couples to marry. Take a look at some other Republicans who support same-sex marriage.

DOMA was passed by Congress in 1996 and blocks the federal government from recognizing same-sex marriages in the states that do allow it.

Baltimore partners Laura Laing and Gina Foringer are waiting to see how the high court's decisions will affect them, especially when it comes to finances and marriage benefits.

"It doesn't impact others for us to have our needs met, yet it seems to offend so many. I find that confusing," said Foringer, a Purple Heart recipient from her Army service in Somalia.

If the justices uphold DOMA, Laing would continue to be ineligible for a variety of military spouse benefits, such as survivor benefits. Military wife or not, if something happened to Foringer, Laing would be hit hard with estate taxes to keep their house.

"That's the basis of Wednesday's case -- a woman lost her partner and ended up paying something like $350,000 in taxes. That is a hardship that no one should have to go through," Laing said.

Certified financial planner Woody Derricks said if DOMA is struck down, the federal government would recognize same-sex marriages and open the door for equality in the eyes of the Internal Revenue Service.

"Both would be able to qualify for spousal Social Security benefits. They would be able to be named as beneficiaries on various pension plans and, assuming they got married, they would be able to file jointly on both federal and state income taxes," Derricks said.

But for Foringer and Laing, the historic court case isn't just about dollars and cents.

A bizarre situation is unfolding in Baltimore in which people are paying rent to a landlord who claims he's helping fill the need for affordable housing, but there are serious questions about the living conditions inside, as well as who actually owns the homes.